Space Saver Bags

[stiffaney]

Random question and sorry if it has been asked before, I am cruising December 12th and after 5+ cruises I have finally realized to pack only half of what I think I need. I was wondering has anyone ever used the space saver bags when they packed. I am planning on carrying on a small suitcase on the plane with me (are they permitted on airlines in your carry on bag?) This will save so much room but I was wondering on the last day of the ship, packing to come back home, would it be weird to ask our room steward to use their vacuum to pack it all back up? Thoughts??? Thanks!

[FlyerTalker]

Remember that the bags only reduce the volume, not the weight of the contents. Also, they only provide significant "savings" for items that are "fluffy", such as sweaters, knits and fleece. A t-shirt or blouse won't have much savings in space.

I have used them when on a cold-weather cruise, and have had no problem getting the stewardess to "suck" the bag on the day before leaving the ship. Just make arrangements in advance so you can coordinate schedules.

[Happy ks]

There are compression bags that don't need a vacuum, you just roll them when full.

http://www.eaglecreek.com/accessories/compression_bags/

I'd not pack anything that will wrinkle in these, I'd be afraid they would be a wrinkled up mess when you get them out of the bag. We use them for bathing suits, underwear and socks, robes, pajamas, etc...

The Eagle Creek lasts so much longer than the cheaper brands. I got some at Target and think I used them twice before they started to leak. The EC ones I've had for 3 years now.

[FlyerTalker]

FWIW....I have had the compression type and the vacuum type.

For maximum space saving, nothing beats the vacuum type. The compression is an alternative for when you don't have access to suction .

Ditto the comment on the wrinkling. Especially the vacuum type - it will scrunch everything together into a "brick". But, for sweaters and the like, they don't wrinkle much to start with.

[euro cruiser]

I always travel with everything in my suitcase in travel bags. I don't bother with the ones that need vacuums, the self close are good enough. I just sit on them and zip 'em up. I also use regular gallon and quart freezer zip lock bags for smaller items. This all started many years ago when my luggage was left on the tarmac at Heathrow for an hour in the pouring rain. Everything inside was wet.

I also use zip locks in my carry on - it makes it easier to repack if the TSA folks need to go through it. One time an overly ambitious TSA person pulled things out of my carry on and my underwear went flying. Now it's in a zip lock bag they can see through but don't need to touch.

Do keep in mind that creating more space in your luggage can lead you to fill your bag beyond the airline weight limits.

[kayr2]

I use 2 1/2 gal ziplock bags. In each,I put a pair of slacks, a blouse, underwear & socks. Zip it almost closed, roll it up to get the air out, finish zipping it and then smooth it to get out any wrinkles in my clothes. Nothing has ever needed pressing so it works for me and I have my clothes for the day altogether.
Kay

[screwsmcernst]

Originally Posted by stiffaney

Random question and sorry if it has been asked before, I am cruising December 12th and after 5+ cruises I have finally realized to pack only half of what I think I need. I was wondering has anyone ever used the space saver bags when they packed. I am planning on carrying on a small suitcase on the plane with me (are they permitted on airlines in your carry on bag?) This will save so much room but I was wondering on the last day of the ship, packing to come back home, would it be weird to ask our room steward to use their vacuum to pack it all back up? Thoughts??? Thanks!

They make space saver bags for travel that you don't need a vacuum for. I got them for our last cruise. I put my shorts and tops in it. Things get a little wrinkled, but it wasn't too bad. It fit it in my carry on. I had so much extra room. you fill the bag, and seal it, then you are suppose to roll it to release the air but I found that if you put it on the floor and layed on it, more of the air is removed. I got a 2 pack at target. In the travel/luggage section. I am going to use them again this January.

[PennyAgain]

Yes you can use the Space Saver bags in your carry on bag on the airplane.

[aruvqan]

I have found that with some fabrics, putting the item on a hangar and taking a steamy shower works to help dewrinkle .. a few good shakes after steaming and hand smoothing can work wonders. For heavier stuff, the old boarding house press [put the item smoothed out under the mattress and sleep on it] can work well if you are careful

[Gablin]

I used the roll up vacuum bags for one trip, almost ten years ago, to Romania and other Eastern Europe countries. I needed warm clothing, dressy clothing and casual day wear for three weeks, and needed to be able to carry it (or roll it) easily.
For fleece, knits and pjs, undies, etc., it was wonderful. I had two bags and a good sized carryon and it worked well for me.

I wouldn't use them for a cruise, although I struggle with how to pack the amount of clothes I think I need into a small suitcase.

[Coolmama_1]

Originally Posted by kayr2

I use 2 1/2 gal ziplock bags. In each,I put a pair of slacks, a blouse, underwear & socks. Zip it almost closed, roll it up to get the air out, finish zipping it and then smooth it to get out any wrinkles in my clothes. Nothing has ever needed pressing so it works for me and I have my clothes for the day altogether.
Kay

I use the same and they are great for your dirty clothes when packing to come home.

[RetireeWannabee]

I've used the roll-type and did not find much space savings because they start to reinflate themselves.

I do like the "keep them dry", "keep FSA hands off" aspects, tho.

[screwsmcernst]

Originally Posted by Coolmama_1

I use the same and they are great for your dirty clothes when packing to come home.

You are so right. The bags were wonderful for dirty clothes on the trip home!